Chicago ‘Dream Home’ Lists for $9.9 Million

The boldly designed Lincoln Park home comes with an extra lot next door that could be used for staff housing or sports facilities

A 9,570-square-foot mansion in Chicago’s exclusive Lincoln Park came on the market Thursday for $9.9 million.

The couple who owns the home bought the main two lots in 2010 for a total of $700,000, according to property records.

Although the couple’s dream home was completed in 2011, the house’s design is more reminiscent of the 1920s, according to the listing.

Local architectural firm Liederbach and Graham, along with New York designer Steven Gambrel, worked together to recreate Georgian-style architecture similar to the designs of late architect David Adler, according to an interview with Mr. Gambrel’s for “House Beautiful” magazine. Adler’s signature style was to take inspiration from Georgian homes but focus instead on enhancing ceiling height, crafting larger windows and doorways to air out the space —something that is visible throughout the home’s design. Mr. Gambrel took a page out of Adler’s book, with a twist.

“My clients inspired me,” Mr. Gambrel said in a 2014 interview with “House Beautiful.” “All the bold moves here were with their collaboration.”

“It was a passion of the owner, the architect, and the designer,” said Katherine Malkin, of Baird & Warner, the listing agent for the property.

Peacock-blue library walls, a grand entrance staircase and parquet floor in the kitchen are just some of the notably daring features of this property. The five-bedroom, five full and three-half-bathroom mansion is all about the details.

“It’s detailed better than any other house I’ve ever seen,” Ms. Malkin said. “The bronze desk is French from the 1960s. The ceramics are 1940s American. I designed the rug and had it made in Nepal. The house has a collection of stylish things with no great concern about provenance,” Mr. Gambrel told House Beautiful.

What makes this home truly unique however, is the kitchen, with its luxury Bonnet appliances, Ms. Malkin explained. “That’s the kind of range that Daniel Boulud cooks on; the kitchen is so beautifully done but it’s so family friendly and they use it all the time,” she added.

Although it’s not known why the owners are selling the home, Ms. Malkin of Baird & Warner, said that they do not intend to leave the city.

The home was listed last month for $8.5 million, but the property was relisted earlier this week along with the adjacent lot for $9.9 million. The lot next door is, “less glamorous” but could be used for staff quarters or be torn down to build sport facilities, Ms. Malkin said. While the home and lot are being sold as a bundle, the house can still be purchased by itself for $8.5 million, according to the listing. The lot can only be bought separately after the house is sold.

The new-build Georgian style manor is one of the most expensive homes in the area where only five other homes are listed at above $9 million, according to property records.